Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Invisible Scratch Pickles

I don't know a whole lot about the world of underground turntablism and DJ culture, but I do know that I am totally in awe of the Bay Area collective of DJs calling themselves The Invisible Scratch Pickles, especially DJ Q-Bert. The guy is like the Gene Hoglan of turntables. And how fucking enticing are the covers of these two rare Japanese import cds? An obvious nod to Discharge and reminiscent of the Japanese hardcore aesthetic. Be warned, this is serious scratching, with little variation in the breaks. These aren't some cutesy, ironic mash-up party jams, this is deep, these are some of the best turntable wizards in the field doing fucking battle, like Saruman and Gandalf at Isengard. Definitely not for the casual rubbernecking gawker. Respect!

"Realities of War" revisited! Ah the memories of going to Western Manufactring on 9th St. to pick up studs for our jackets. Anyway I just came across these early Q-Bert tracks at http://www.cocaineblunts.com/blunts/?p=969. I saw F.M. 2.0 a few times and they were great. A full metal/turntable band years before the genre was run into the ground.

Hot Sauce in the Dickhole was always one of my favorite Scratch Pickles tapes. I think I still have it, the inlet is one hand-drawn piece of paper, cover art is awesome, basically summing up the album title. I remember Q-Bert put out that one record intended just for DJs - it was a compilation of various samples that were good to scratch on, like just noises and shit. Funny guys.

What it's about.

It's about sharing hard to find and special recordings. It's not about taking anything away from the artists themselves. Of course if something is in print and you like it, buy it. If you have legitimate claim to something posted here and want it removed, just write me and I'll do so. It's definitely not about furthering any sort of political agenda, you might find some things here that you don't agree with. The views of the bands are their own and don't necessarily reflect my ideology or political views. Of course comments and suggestions are welcomed, but don't be hurt if they aren't responded to or taken. I will do my absolute best to be accomidating. Want to contact me? Do it here:

aesopdekker@yahoo.com

please put "cosmic hearse" in the subject heading.The main thing to remember is to enjoy the music and share the site with friends. Thanks for riding in the Cosmic Hearse.---Aesop